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How can we reduce emissions from inland waterway transport without immediately replacing the vessels? The ReMoVe program focuses, in particular, on gaining a better understanding of fuel consumption. BoatOn has announced the deployment of its tools on 41 vessels. The data collected should help operators identify areas for improvement.
Fuel consumption data collected on board
To reduce emissions from inland waterway transport, we first need to know exactly how much fuel the boats consume. That is the goal of the project announced by BoatOn, which plans to install monitoring equipment on 41 vessels as part of the LOG-te initiative under the ReMoVe program, coordinated by ADEME.
Each boat must be equipped with a connected device that automatically collects consumption and navigation data. Operators will also receive a one-year subscription to the BoatOn Book software, which includes maintenance tracking, a logbook, and carbon emissions calculations.
The purpose of this data collection is to align consumption figures with actual operating conditions. Speed, duration of navigation, cargo load, and engine operation can all influence the results. Analyzing these factors can help shipowners identify areas for improvement without immediately requiring engine replacement.
Six older boats will require flow meters
One of the challenges involves units that do not have the capability to automatically retrieve fuel data.
Of the 41 vessels involved, six older vessels will be equipped with a specialized system installed by Ecomer Data. Flow meters will measure their fuel consumption and then transmit the data to the monitoring system.
This adaptation is important for inland waterway fleets, whose vessels feature very different generations of engines and levels of equipment.
However, the reliability of the results will depend on the accuracy of the measurements and their interpretation. Fuel consumption can be measured, while CO? emissions are generally calculated based on that consumption and emission factors.
Assess the situation before deciding on investments
The project is part of the ReMoVe program, which supports the shift from road transport to mass transit and the improvement of fleet fuel efficiency. Its LOG-te river transport initiative includes assessments, action plans, and fuel consumption monitoring.
For operators, this data can be used to evaluate various measures: adjusting speeds, improving driving techniques, maintaining the propulsion system, or planning a repowering project.
However, the announced deployment does not yet constitute proof of reduced emissions. No quantified fuel-saving figures have been provided at this stage for the 41 vessels.
The main benefit of this initiative will therefore be to have measurements that are comparable over time, in order to determine which actions actually yield results. This is a necessary step before translating the decarbonization goals for inland waterway transport into measurable results.
